Ailsa is our former Food Assistant. She loves creating delicious food that can be whipped up without a fuss and is always thinking about her next meal. She has a thing for pickles, anchovies and Japanese street food.

Step by step

Best enjoyed warm straight from the oven. If making ahead or freezing, reheat in a low oven before serving.

Preheat the oven to 220°C, fan 200°C, gas 7. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, mustard, cayenne and a good grind of black pepper. Add the butter and either pulse in a food processor or rub in by hand until it has a crumb-like texture.

Reserve a large handful of cheese for later, then mix the rest into the flour mixture thoroughly. Combine the milk with 100ml water, then use a knife to quickly mix in the liquid until it’s just coming together as a dough, or blitz together briefly if you’re using a food processor.

Tip out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten with your hands into a rectangle, about 3-4cm thick. Cut out the scones using a floured 7cm fluted or straight cutter, re-shaping the trimmings as needed, to get 12 scones. Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush liberally with the beaten egg and scatter over the reserved cheese. Bake for 15-18 minutes until well-risen and crisp. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then split open and enjoy with butter and chutney, if you like.